Come Running [Season 1 Completed]

Chapter 30

It was a day to her birthday and she was beyond thrilled. She moved the last box of deliveries to the dispatch room. Elijah checked the list
"All done?"
"All done."

As they retreated to Elijah's dark blue Peugeot, his phone rang. It was Myles.
"Hey man."
"Eli." Myles called him by his pet name.
"Jayla is with me. I'm putting you on speaker."
[On Speaker]
"Hey munchkin."
"Myles!" Jayla squeaked.
"Just calling to ask for your support for tomorrow... for when... you know...I pop the question."
"Of course, we'll be there." Jayla turned to Elijah as she spoke beckoning his affirmation.
"We'll always have your back man" Elijah affirmed
"Thanks guys."

*. *. *. *. *. *. *.
The long awaited day had arrived and there was nothing the girls wanted more than a celebration with family and friends.
The magnificent rented hall was decorated in solid colours of grey and purple.

A whole year had passed- God has been good.
Jael and Jayla got ready together. It was a happy day and the twins prayed it would end happily.

**************
As the party commerced, the twins welcomed their guests at the entrance and it wasn't long before most of the friends and family were in.
The older folks decided to bail on them.

The rented hall was booming with music and lots of dancing.
The twins stood with Myles, Jason, Bryson and the other girls
Elijah walked up to them
"Hey guys"
"Hey Elijah" Jael said as she eyed Jayla.
"Jayla... wanna get some punch?" Elijah offered
"Sure."

Immediately, they were out of earshot. Myles spoke.
"Quit playing matchmaker."
"Why not, they look cute together."
"You'd know why if you observed your sister lately." Jason spoke.
"But dad thinks he's trouble so I'm in for Elijah."
"Me too." Chloe supported
"You should get to know Kaiden before you judge him. He's one terrific guy." Myles counted.
"I agree. I've nothing against them both and just pray Jayla would pick the right one." Jason added

They all stared in Jayla and Elijah's direction as Kaiden approached them at the punch table with a bouquet.

"Things just got heated." Myles let out and Jael giggled.
Kevin walked up to Carrie and they slipped away. Myles, Jael and Bryson did too leaving Jason and Chloe by themselves.

Jason took the opportunity to finally speak to her after about three years.
"Chloe... I've been wanting to talk to you for a while now."
She remained silent and he continued.
"I know what happened two and a half years ago hurt you and has caused a wedge between us but I want you to know that every friend of my baby sisters is a friend of mine and I'd rather come clean with you than lead you on with a lie.
You're undoubtedly beautiful and intelligent and I'm sure you do just fine."
She lit up
"I'm sorry I never gave you a chance for a proper closure but I appreciate it." She stated
"Friends?"
"Friends."

*********
"Hey beautiful." Kaiden said as he walked up to Jayla and Elijah with a bouquet of white roses. The other man didn't look pleased at the interruption.

It bothered Kaiden a bit to see the two always together.
'I mean, What's the deal?"

"White roses... they're my favorite. Thank you." She hugged him. "Didn't know you were coming."
"Wouldn't miss your birthday for anything."
"Guess you two have already been introduced."

Just then the music turned slow and Elijah thought of asking Jayla to dance but Kaiden beat him to it.
"Would you do your knight the honours, petal?" She giggled and was about to accept when she turned to Elijah.
He nodded and she went on with Kaiden unto the dance floor. Myles and Jael were already on it.

"Thanks for coming." Jayla muttered as they danced.
"Anything for you petal."
"Anything?"
"I'm regretting that already."
She giggled.
"Come with me to the Afro Praise Annual Evangelism Week."
"That's it?"
"That's it Mr. Torres."
"I guess I could fix it somewhere in my schedule." He feigned cockiness and Jayla rolled her eyes.
"What's the deal with you and Elijah anyway?"
"mmm... someone's green."
"I'm not!"
"Oh yes you are. Elijah's in Jason class and we were never friends till now- till we discovered a common passion we both had."
"Which is?"
"Soul winning." She was amused at his puzzled face.
"Yes, soul winning. Ever heard those words before?"
"You underestimate me Miss Carlson Whyte."

The music stopped.
"I don't Mr. Torres." She smiled and led him to the balcony.

"I want to know about Whitney"
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything."